Hailing from northern California, 2013 Ugly Duckling Cabernet Sauvignon will never be accused of appealing to critter label lovers.  Santa Rosa, which is just north of Napa, should theoretically produce a serviceable Cabernet Sauvignon, despite the very sad looking duck on the front.  While gold and red label provides an uninspired facade, perhaps the real beauty is inside the bottle. 

Sight:  2013 Ugly Duckling Cabernet Sauvignon has a firm magenta edge that highlights a robust purple core.

Smell:  The slight hint of vanilla and powdered sugar join forces to envelop blackberries and a mix of fruits that could only be described as Hawaiian punch.  Mild hints of spice, and a touch of acidity comes through.

Sip:  2013 Ugly Duckling Cabernet Sauvignon seems lighter than any Cabernet Sauvignon should be, and the flavors skew immediately more toward red fruit, pulling in unripe red plums, raspberries, and hints of spice.  The oak flavors run the gamut from powder sugar to subtle mocha, but never quite achieve clarity. The body and racy fruit flavors could be described as sleek thanks to the higher acidity.

Savor:  The flavor disappears almost instantly with minimal notes of smoke, oak, stems, and blackberries.  There are moderate tannins present.

2013 Ugly Duckling Cabernet Sauvignon is pretty ugly inside the bottle, and out.  The nature of the wine might generously be referred to as sleek, but the overall effect is reminiscent of many other down market wines.  The effect of the oak is nice, but the wine can’t carry its finish.  Lest it be mistaken that 2013 wasn’t a good year in California, it really was.  Near ideal growing conditions should lead to good bargain hunting in California, but if you must try a California Cabernet, 2013 Ugly Duckling Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t ready yet, and may not be the best choice for the money.

Verdict: Sleek, oaked, unripe
Price: $9.79 (reg. $11.99)
Santa Rosa, California